Unwind the captivating tapestry of Ethiopia on this 11-day adventure with Magic Ethiopia Tours! Explore Addis Ababa’s history and bustling markets, then witness the serenity of Lake Tana and the power of the Blue Nile Falls. Delve into the past with ancient churches in Lalibela, Axum, and Gheralta, while experiencing vibrant festivals and immersing yourself in local communities.
Your journey concludes with a final dose of history before departing, forever enriched by Ethiopia’s magic.
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrive and Addis Ababa City Tour
Upon arrival in Bole airport your guide meets you and takes you to your hotel and after chechin continues your tour visiting the National Museum, home of the 3 million year old skeleton “Lucy’’ , proceed to Entoto mountain where you can see the panoramic view of Addis Ababa also to see the Trinity/ cathedral church, where Emperor Haile Silassie and the former prime Minister of Ethiopia ‘‘Mele Zenawi ’’were buried before lunch.
In the Afternoon, our tour continues to see Merkato –the biggest open market in Africa; which reflects the majestic life of Ethiopia. After that, drive to see the African Union building then back to the hotel.
Accommodation: Sidra International Hotel
Day 2 :
Addis Ababa -Bahir Dar
Fly to Bahir Dar and expedition to Lake Tana and after lunch drive to Blue Nile falls and visit the top view of the Nile river at Bahir Dar.
Accommodation: Abay Minch Lodge
Day 3 :
Bahir Dar – Gondar
Drive on the chain mountains to Gondar and visit Royal palaces and castles of 17th century kings and a church of Debre Birhan Silassie.
Accommodation: Goha Hotel
Day 4 :
Fly to Lalibela
Morning departure to Lalibela and visit the wonders of 12th century rock churches of King Lalibela.
Accommodation: Sora lodge
Day 5 :
Lalibela -Axum
Flight to Axum and Sightseeing of attraction at Axum.
Accommodation: Yared Zema hotel
Day 6 :
Aksum –Gheralta
After breakfast drive to Gherealta on the way to visit Yeha Temple and debre damo monastery.
Accommodation: Gheralta Lodge
Day 7 :
Gheralta Churches
In the morning, drive east of Hawzien to see the church of Medhani Alem Adi Kasho /Holy saviour /drive back for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the famous church of Tigray, Abune Yemata.
Accommodation: Gheralta Lodge
Day 8 :
Gheralta
Today, we climb to the churches that were built on top of a spectacular view, Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, dated back to 4th -15thc A.D.
O/n Hawzen
Day 9 :
Gheralta –Mekelle
After breakfast, drive to see Abune Abrham church, an hour walk and climb from the main road. On the way back, continue visiting Abraha we Atsbeha church and then, stop in Wukro town for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the wukro cherkos church then drive to Mekelle to see the eve of Ashenda festival.
Accommodation: planet or Axum Hotel
Day 10 :
Mekelle – Attend the Ashenda Festival
Today we celebrate the Ashenda festival day with the girls in Mekelle . Ashenda is a unique Tigrian traditional festival which takes place on August 25 to mark the ending of fasting called filseta. This event is mostly for girls and young women, which they await very eagerly every year. It is unique to the people in the state of Tigrai in northern Ethiopia. The name of the festival “Ashenda” comes from the name of a tall grass that the girls make into a skirt and wear it around their waist as a decoration.
Our Mekelle Ashenda festival in Mekelle takes you to a deep cultural , traditional , beauty of the Tigrayan girls and womens gather together and celebrate their freedom day in the streets , city halls , stadium and other areas for a weekend.
Accommodation: planet or Axum Hotel
Day 11 :
Fly from Mekelle to Addis Ababa
In the morning, visit the Yohannes IV museum, one of the best museums in Ethiopia and it has a lot of nice collections, as well as the spicy market of Mekelle en route stop for lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Mekelle airport to depart to Addis. It depends, Evening attend a welfare program at a traditional restaurant with music and dancing.
Finally, I transfer out to Bole Airport to depart home .
